Board approves Where’s Willie signage and permits for two summer 5K races

The Crown Point Board of Public Works and Safety on May 21 approved a request from Ricky Chandler to place annual "Where's Willie" yard signs around downtown in the lead-up to fireworks and accepted permit requests for two community 5K races.

Ricky Chandler, whose store is at 1508 North Main Street, told the board the yard signs have been placed annually for about 40 years and described the typical placement pattern from the Lake County Government Center area to the Jewel parking lot and along 109th Street. The board approved the signage request by voice vote.

The board also approved a permit for a Saint Peter and Paul 5K proposed by Vanessa Jovanowski for Saturday, Aug. 9; Jovanowski described a route starting at the church parking lot and said she expected about 100 runners but noted that number was an estimate. The board asked her to continue coordinating with Emergency Management (EMA) as the event date approaches.

Separately the board approved a permit for the Corn Dog Dash 5K presented by Ben Vickers and Ralph Flores, to be held Sunday, June 8 with a start near the Crown Point Dog Park and a finish inside the Babe Ruth/Legends fields. City staff said the route maps had been provided and that staff would coordinate logistics.

All three items were approved by voice vote; staff asked organizers to continue working with EMA and city staff on final traffic and safety arrangements.